How do I tell if I have an antique?

Got to an antique dealer, they might know, or know people that could find out easily!

If you have a brother who’s 52 years old, then at least you know that he is an antique. Find out what you can get for him, and save the figurine that you’ve always liked.

Post a picture of the figurine and the hallmark and any other identifying marks or numbers and I’ll let you know.
Chances are if it has no identifying maker it has little value. I assume it says Made in Japan by your subject? Any reputable maker like Nippon would have their mark on it. There were billions of cheap ceramic pieces that came out of Japan.

Take it to the Antiques Road Show.

@JesusWasAJewbot – And you might get on tv too :p

Post a picture of the item and the bottom where you should find a watermark. My parents are appraisers and have been antique dealers for nearly 40 years. I’ll run it by them.

Technically to be considered antique an item must be over 100 years old, though that seems to be personal opinion.

I am an appraiser and an antiques dealer also, and I would be glad to look at a picture, too. If I were to guess, I would imagine you have a depiction of Kwan Yin.